HUN SEN CALLS FOR ASEAN TO EVOLVE INTO PROACTIVE FORCE IN GLOBAL GOVERNANCE

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, May 5 (Bernama) -- Former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has called on ASEAN to move from a reactive to a proactive role in shaping global governance, aiming to build a more equitable international system.

Speaking at the ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta on Monday, he highlighted the shift towards a multipolar world, with more countries gaining influence over global affairs.

“In this context, ASEAN has a vital role to play in shaping a world order grounded in legal frameworks and a stronger foundation of democracy and justice,” he said in his policy address, which is part of a ceremony to commemorate the 26th anniversary of Cambodia’s membership in ASEAN.

He noted that some major powers are retreating from the global systems they helped establish, which are now being undermined by a retreat from multilateralism and the rule of law.

At the same time, emerging powers are calling for governance that reflect the new global power dynamics, he said.

Hun Sen emphasised that ASEAN is emerging as a key global player, evolving beyond its traditional role as a regional institution.

Now serving as President of the Cambodian Senate, he described the bloc as a dynamic global actor, increasingly recognised by international powers.

“With a population of more than 670 million, the third-largest in the world, and as the fifth-largest economy, ASEAN’s role in shaping global governance frameworks is critical and cannot be ignored,” he added.

Cambodia joined ASEAN on April 30, 1999, and has chaired the bloc three times — in 2002, 2012, and 2022. The country has worked alongside other member states to build a community grounded in shared responsibility and people-centred development.

Hun Sen is currently visiting Indonesia from May 5 to 7 at the invitation of the ASEAN Secretariat and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) to speak on conflict resolution.

-- BERNAMA